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Old Nov 20, 2025 | 10:12 AM
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"new" member here is advertising a ratchet top for $1000
In Maine
 
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Old Nov 25, 2025 | 03:45 PM
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Originally Posted by eighteight
"new" member here is advertising a ratchet top for $1000
In Maine
Tempting... I'll take a look. Seems fair if it's in good shape
 
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Old Jan 3, 2026 | 10:13 AM
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SCAM Alert!!!
I inquired to Bass-M about the rachet top transmission he has for sale in the classified section (still there). Recieved a PM from Doepti - not Bass-M (complete newby - 2 posts) Agreed to buy it and pick it up. Then the problems started.
Very long story short - This is a total scam. I am probably out the $100 deposit I made. I have reported it to the administator.
Too bad - was exactly what I was looking for.
Live and learn
 
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Old Jan 5, 2026 | 08:19 AM
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Found a 78 Shovel for $1,800.00. Was running when it was put away just a couple years ago.
Price is right.
Still need a transmission and primary. Ratchet preferred.
Should have the parts I bought in hand end of Jan. Then the real fun begins...
The very good local machine shop closed a couple months ago. Need to find another one in the area. I'll try to do all the fabricating and welding with what I have on hand. Only MIG and stick welders. No TIG.
Once I get this relatively simple build done - maybe upgrade tools with lessons learned. If I live that long.
 
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Old Jan 8, 2026 | 03:53 PM
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78 Shovelhead with ratchet top 4-speed. I want to run a belt - open primary - chain final.
I would think there are kits. I'll look around. I have seen pictures of set ups that look like there is no primary at all, which would be way cool but my knees demand an electric start.
How does that work?
Is it simply a cut-off inner primary with the output shaft bearing to bolt the starter housing to and a cut off primary cover to hold the starter shaft outer bearing?
I imagine the motor hub, belt and clutch basket exposed. Cap off the primary chain oiler and return at the oil pump.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2026 | 09:57 AM
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I see kits that are made for electric start but I still don't see how I would mount the starter motor housing or the starter shaft outer support bearing that is in the outer primary cover.
I see the part that holds the output shaft bearing that bolts to the transmission case under the clutch basket and a clutch basket with teeth.
I guess I need to reach out to the kit maker.
Is BDL a good source for this or should I look at other kit makers?
 
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Old Jan 9, 2026 | 03:22 PM
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Based on what I am seeing - this may not be possible without some sophisticated fabrication. Open primary (or no primary) Kits don't seem to have what is needed for electric start.
I think the inner primary is needed for electric start no matter what.
I guess this is my first real challenge..
I have my Electraglide apart right now to change trnasmission output shaft seal (because I wasn't smart enough to do that when I built the machine this spring). I'll see if I can modify an inner primary with cover part for the starter shaft bearing and make it look like ther is no primary.
I can't beleive I am the first one to try this...
I found some other threads on the subject but everyone seems to only use kick start.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2026 | 10:19 AM
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I guess electric start is not possible with open primary (no primary inner or outer chain guards). Nowhere to mount starter housing or solenoid.
I'm going to go with belt drive primary chain final - kick start - foot clutch. It'll keep me young. If it becomes too much - I'll add the inner primary and electric start later.
One design decision made...
 
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Old Feb 17, 2026 | 08:55 AM
  #19  
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Well, I finally got some parts in the barn. Frame, front and rear wheels, front end, 79 shovel from a superglide, ratchet top 4-speed, oil tank and a few headlight buckets. Real good start. "Dry fit" everything to see how things fit and look. Not much room for oil tank and battery holder. I got an oil tank that will hold a battery but no room to get the battery in or out without removing the tank. Frame is too narrow under the seat.
I need to find a solution to that. Need a gas tank and rear fender. I think I'll get that seat pan covered and use it.



 
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Old Feb 17, 2026 | 09:19 AM
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I got a primary, too. I think I figured out how to put a starter in without a complete inner primary. Definitely going with belt drive primary.
 
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